Neem oil encapsulated electrospun polyurethane nanofibrous bags for seed storage: A step toward sustainable agriculture

For higher crop yields, availability of good quality healthy seeds is a major challenge which is directly related to post-harvesting proper seed storage. Various reasons for significant seed storage losses includes varying temperature, humidity and presence of rodents, insects and microbial infestation. In this study, a new type of seed storage bag is produced using electrospun polyurethane (PU) nanofibers encapsulated with neem oil. The effect of neem oil loading (3, 5, and 10% w/v) on fiber morphology, wettability, and water vapor permeability is studied. The interaction of neem oil with PU is investigated and correlated with thermal stability and mechanical strength. The physico-mechanical characteristic then compared with commercial polypropylene storage bags to confirm its applicability. The real time storage experiment carried out for 75 days infers that 90% seeds stored in nanofibrous bags were uninfected, whereas 70% seeds in commercial bags found to be infected with storage fungi. These nanofabric bags show a great potential toward reducing seed storage losses and may be a game changer for achieving food security as one of the goal for sustainable development.

Automated summary

This study developed a new type of seed storage bag using electrospun nanofibers encapsulated with neem oil, which effectively reduces seed storage losses and improves crop yields. The bags showed great potential in achieving food security as one of the goals for sustainable development.